JIM STYNES’ appearance at last Friday’s International Rules Test in Melbourne came just days after his wife feared his battle against cancer had taken a dramatic setback.

MESS with us and face our wrath — that’s the promise from Ireland vice-captain Ciarán McKeever as Australia prepare to ratchet up their aggression for Friday’s second and final Test.

JUST 14,000 spectators are expected to attend Friday’s International Rules second Test at the Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium.

THE AFL are giving serious consideration to ending their involvement in the International Rules series, the Irish Examiner has learned.

COLM BEGLEY fears the future of the International Rules Series is in jeopardy after Ireland’s record victory over Australia in Friday’s first test.

Qantas Airways has grounded all aircraft over an industrial dispute which has disrupted the travel plans of the Ireland International Rules squad.

Australia coach Rodney Eade wants his side to "make a stand" in next week's second Test as they bid to recover from a record defeat to Ireland.

Australia 36 (1-8-6) Ireland 80 (4-17-5)

AUSTRALIA coach Rodney Eade has claimed that Gaelic football has stood still in the past century and hopes the tactical developments made in the AFL in recent years will give his side a distinct advantage over Ireland in the International Rules series.

Dublin's All-Ireland final hero Stephen Cluxton has been chosen to captain the Ireland team for the upcoming International Rules Series against Australia in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

A provisional 31-man training panel for the International Rules series tour of Australia has been announced today.

Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast in Queensland has been announced as the second Test venue for this year's International Rules Series between Ireland and Australia.